Oscar Romero, Artist 2-09

Oscar
Romero comes to Akumal every year and stays at Hotel Akumal Caribe.
He was born in Mexico and has been living in Chicago for 25 years. He
is a well recognized sculpture, painter, and muralist.

Oscar is not just any guest though. He
is a guest with a passion! A passion for art and for giving. Every
year for the past 4 years, he has organized a Sand Sculpture Contest
on the January 1. We have had as many as 27 sculptures gracing our
beach for days, and only time and weather destroy them!

Each sculpture must have a concept
linked to the Mayan Culture and to the Ecology. The contestants must
present their work with a short explanation of what they are
depicting and the story their art work tells. No one is an expert,
but they all have talent! Amazing work is presented with original use
of natural materials, and concepts that only the best imaginations
would think of!

This year, Oscar surprised us on “Dia
de los Santos Reyes”, January 6th with this beautiful
relief painting on our Reception wall! Now we have a lasting reminder
of every visitor to see!

In addition, Oscar has left me with a
portfolio of sketches and art work to sell at fundraisers. Proceeds
are to go towards the Education fund of the Akumal United Fund. This
is the work of the Akumal Development Council, and this committee is
under my responsibility.